Medical experts say stress, anxiety and depression increases during what some call the most wonderful time of the year. Doctors tell MPB's Ashley Norwood how Mississippians can cope with holiday stress.
Carl Mangum is a psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Topping his list of ways to avoid depression this holiday is "Don't change your routine."
"Try to keep your life as normal or routine as you have it. Also prepare yourself if you know you're going into a stressful situation. I'm going in with a positive attitude, we're going to say positive things and we are going to love on each other so to speak," said Mangum.
Mangum says grief from the loss of a loved one can add a different level of stress.
"And with family and friends that we're gona have to see and be with and still try to be happy and joyful during this time it makes it really hard. And when we think of those loved ones it becomes really difficult but if we plan and prepare for that, it can make it easier on us," said Mangum.
Josie Wells of Jackson says she and her husband are trying to get into the holiday spirit. She says it's their first Christmas without their daughter and the grief is overwhelming.
"Oh yes, I miss her dearly. Thanksgiving and this it's just so much. We keep praying and trusting the man up above but she will never be forgotten. No matter what, the lighting of the tree or whatever, she will never be forgotten in our hearts," said Wells.
Mangum with the University Medical Center wants Mississippians who are feeling depressed to reach out to their family and friends first and their church family. If the depression continues, his advice is to seek medical attention.
Ashley Norwood, MPB News
